The dilemma of renqing in ISD processes: interpretations from the perspectives of face, renqing and guanxi of Chinese cultural society

Abstract

This article explores the way in which the resource allocator (RA) uses information knowledge to wield power in the information system development (ISD) process, and achieve goals of self-interest. We analyse these power methods through the lens of the ‘renqing dilemma’ in ISD processes – a theoretical model of face and guanxi in Chinese cultural society. This study relies on qualitative data collected over 19 months from TaiWire (pseudonym) in the form of interviews, documented data, archival data and observation. The article goes on to interpret the way in which the RA manipulates his/her power when requests are made to him/her, and highlights the influence of face (mianzi), favour (renqing) and relation (guanxi) in this manipulation of power. In practice, the detailed descriptions used to describe the operating power process in ISD processes can help in similar cases to show how to reduce or prevent the negative consequences of such behaviour.

Keywords:

• information system development
• face
• renqing
• guanxi

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the National Science Council of the Republic of China for its financial support of this study (NSC 92-2416-H-251-012). She also acknowledges the constructive comments and encouragement of Professor Kwang-Kuo Hwang and Ruey-Lin Hsiao.

Notes

1. Renqing: Chinese guanxi often includes renqing (human feelings or human obligations). As part of the ‘art of social relationships,’ it requires people (as the architect of network-building) to adhere to the reciprocal exchange of affective elements (through gifts, condolences, etc.), thus guanxi could develop ‘naturally’ from pre-existing ties of renqing indebtedness.

2. Guanxi: literally means ‘relationships,’ and stands for any type of relationship. In the Chinese business world, however, it is also understood as the network of relationships among various parties that co-operate together and support one another. The Chinese businessmen's mentality is very much one of ‘You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours’. In essence, this boils down to exchanging favours, which are expected to be done regularly and voluntarily. Therefore, it is an important concept to understand if one is to function effectively in Chinese society.